Irene C. Nietfeldt

Irene Clara Nietfeldt, age 94, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025. She was born December 13, 1930, in Addison, Illinois, to Albert and Anna (nee Ahrens) Berlin. Irene was the beloved wife of the late Frederick (Fritz) Nietfeldt, with whom she shared 64 years of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Irene was a devoted mother to Janet (John) Boehm of Homewood, JoAnn (Mark) Hess of Bradley, Jerri (William) Schell of Spencerville, MD, Jacqueline (Karl) Newman of Champaign, and the late James (Stacy) Nietfeldt of Manhattan. She was a proud grandmother of Katelyn (Phillip) Krabbe, Krista (Max) Tenclay, Karyn and Kimberley Boehm, Daniel (Kira), Jill, and Claire Hess, Bradley (Jennifer), Kurtis (Michelle), Eric (Casey) Schell, and Lisa (Ryan) Baker, Tayler (Andrew) Cross, Evan (Tessa) Nietfeldt, Andrew (Sarah), Emma and Hannah Newman. She was also the adored great-grandmother of 17 great-grandchildren.

Irene's educational journey began at Concordia Lutheran High School in River Forest, where she graduated in 1949. She continued her studies at Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, earning a teaching certificate in 1951. Irene was a passionate educator, teaching at Lutheran schools for many years, and in 1961, she became the inaugural kindergarten teacher at St. John's Lutheran School in Country Club Hills. She continued to teach there until 1965, shaping the lives of many young children.

Later in life, Irene transitioned to working as a bank teller at the Bank of Homewood, where she served with kindness and service to the Homewood community until her retirement in 1990.

Irene was a 70-year member of St. John Lutheran Church in Country Club Hills, where her faith and commitment to service were evident. Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 4231 W. 183rd St., Country Club Hills, IL 60478.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 9, from 2-6 PM at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home. Funeral services will be on Monday, March 10, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 4231 W. 183rd Street, Country Club Hills, IL. beginning at 11:00 AM, with a viewing one hour prior to the service. For further information, please contact Tews-Ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300

Her family, friends, and all who knew her will deeply miss Irene's warmth, generosity, and spirit of love. May she rest in peace, forever remembered by all whose lives she touched.